KEY POINTS:
A plan to build high-rise blocks of retirement units in Whitianga is creating a storm of opposition.
Hopper Developments wants to build a big retirement village in its billion-dollar Waterways canal development. The village would comprise three multi-storey blocks with a maximum height of 21.5m, surrounded by 88 two-storey or single-storey units.
The five and six-storey blocks are more than twice the legal residential height in Whitianga, and the Thames-Coromandel District Council said the project failed to meet required height and site coverage standards.
But the company said the village qualified as a discretionary activity under the council's district plan, and height and site coverage restrictions did not apply.
There was fierce opposition to the company's plans among Whitianga residents and holiday home owners. Hopper Developments' application for consent for the project late last year drew 190 submissions, with all but nine against it.
Most opponents cite the height of the multi-storey blocks as their main concern.
Opponent Anna Horne says people are not against the village as such, but they object to the scale of it.
Three years ago, Whitianga residents campaigned successfully for the council to amend its district plan to include height restrictions.
Now Ms Horne says they are having to fight the battle all over again.
"The town's made it quite clear they didn't want a Mt Maunganui look."
The council has appointed an independent commissioner, Alan Dormer, to adjudicate on the company's applications. Mr Dormer has adjourned the hearing until September 24.
- NZPA
